Mapping Immigrant Populations: A GIS-Based Public Perception Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Mapping and analysis of the immigrant population are one of the GIS-based society contributions related to spatial community matters. The difficulty in getting a detailed map of the immigrant population in Malaysia is the main concern in this study. This exploratory socio-spatial study is conducted to analyse the external immigrant’s population distribution pattern in Shah Alam by using GIS and public perception approach. Selection of the study area, data collection, data processing and analysis are the main steps carried out in a GIS framework. A GIS map was derived from the questionnaires that were distributed among the 81 local citizens and immigrants. Most of the immigrant population occupied in the area of Section 7, Section 25 and Section 24 especially in the central part of the main city. The locals agreed that the majority of the immigrant influenced to a negative impact on society, but the immigrants believed that their presence led to a positive impact on the local physical development. Mapping the external immigrant will assist the authority in decision making and handling immigrant-related concerns